Exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks NWR is the gateway to the Panhandle
Section of the Florida Birding Trail and offers brochures for all sections
of the Trail and loaner binoculars to visitors. For more information
on the Trail, please see
http://www.floridabirdingtrail.com
.

Headquarters Pond Trail – this ¼ mile trail
is located across from the Mounds trailhead provides access to a
small wooden observation deck at the edge of the pond. Named for
old refuge headquarters’ site, this pond is great for wading
birds, ducks, wood storks and bald eagles. Open to foot & bicycle
traffic only.

Levee Trail – located at the end of Lighthouse Rd.
at the right of the parking lot, this ½ mile trail has interpretive
focuses on coastal plants. Leaflet at the trailhead. Open to foot,
bicycle and horseback riding traffic.

Cedar Point Trail – ½ mile trail located at the salt water boat ramp, north parking lot. Open to foot traffic only.

Plum Orchard Pond Trail – 1/3 mile long, with boardwalks,
this trail is accessible behind the Visitor Center from the deck
or from the parking lot. Easy walking, with interpretive signs. Open
to foot traffic only.

Tower Pond Trail – (also known as Mounds Trail), it
is located 5 miles south of Visitor Center, with parking next to
the restrooms. The trail has a leaflet at the trailhead and winds
for one mile through slash pine forests, oak hammocks, and salt marsh.
Tower Pond is now being managed as a saltwater lagoon for migratory
songbirds, ducks, and wading birds. Open to foot and bicycle traffic
only.

Create Your Own Trail – all levees and woodland roads
are open to hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Make up a trail
that meets your needs!

Entrance fees are charged on the
St. Marks Unit. Check at toll booth or honor fee station for current
prices. Annual and lifetime passes are available with some requirements.

Food & Lodging – there
is no place on the refuge to buy food or stay overnight, but picnic tables,
drinking water and restrooms are available. Nearby camping includes Newport
Park, Ochlockonee River State Park, and Holiday Park. Lodging and/or
restaurants can be found at Wakulla Springs State Park, and the towns
of St. Marks, Shell Point, Spring Creek, Panacea, and Sopchoppy.

Canoes and kayaks can be rented
at TNT Hideaway (7 miles west on U.S. Hwy 98 and the Wakulla
River ); and Wilderness Way (18 miles north on State Hwy. 363/Woodville
Hwy); Riverside Café in downtown St. Marks.

Hints for enjoying your visit :
Bring your binoculars. Start early and stay late. Mammals and birds are
most active during the early morning and late afternoon, especially during
the warm months. Bring your field guides. The gift shop has books to
help identify birds, wildflowers, and wildlife. Observe carefully – look
up in the trees for wildlife, in the sky, on power lines, as well as
in roadside vegetation and pools. WARNING – bring bug repellent
and drinking water to the refuge during the warm months!